Faith & Fun... in Church?

I recently became very aware of something about myself. I discovered that the people I most enjoy spending time with are those who smile, laugh and enjoy life. No big surprise, right? Truth is, their smiles lift my atmosphere and their laughs soon become mine. Laughter, humor and fun are some of the most wonderful, infectious and contagious 'medicines' in the world.

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength."  Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)

It's sad to say, but "joy and laughter" are not a standout aspect of the Church's reputation in today's society. Think about it. If you asked a non-churched or de-churched person to describe their impression of "church," my guess is "exciting, energetic and fun" wouldn't make their 'Top 10' list. Naturally, I don't believe Church should be reduced to a comedy club where we preach nothing more than a good-humor message; humor doesn't convict a person's heart, only the love and power of Jesus can do that. However, I am convinced that our message of truth doesn't have to be delivered in a stiff, dry and somber package either. 

Here's my point... "faith and fun" are a powerful combination in the Church, because humor is not the enemy of sincerity. The Gospel is a serious matter and is not to be taken lightly, but this message of Jesus is also Good News, hope and life - a message quite fitting for a few smiles.

Here are a few reasons why I believe the Church must stop treating humor, joy and fun as an accessory, and start embracing it as an ingredient for life-changing ministry.

1. Reputation
     It's sad when "Angry Birds" can double as a nickname for many Christians! The truth is, 
     smiles and laughter quickly begin disarming the reputation of "angry Christians". Since a 
     smile is one of the most powerful non-verbal expressions you own, use it regularly to 
     give Christianity a facelift... one smile at a time.

2. Learn
     Educators have known for years that humor creates a comfortable atmosphere that 
     makes it easier to learn, change and retain information. Wouldn't it be great if the 
     congregation still remembered the pastor's Sunday message on Wednesday? A little 
     humor makes a big difference!

3. Attraction
     The same way laughter warms and attracts the hearts of a man and woman in a dating 
     relationship, we have discovered that laughter in the church also begins destroying 
     'anti-church' attitudes and warms the heart of the unchurched visitor. When this 
     happens, walls come down and the heart begins to open-up - making the visitor more 
     receptive to the church's message. Yes, Holy Spirit is the One that 'draws' a man's heart, 
     but we don't need to make his job any harder! Amen?

4. Connection
     One of the quickest ways to make individuals feel part of the congregation is to include 
     them (involuntarily) through smiles and laughter. As people participate together in the
     service, through something as simple as smiles and laughter, there is a feeling of 
     connection and belonging that touches their hearts.

5. Energy

     One major element that laughter and smiles deliver to every worship service is energy. 

     I am convinced that Church should be the most invigorating, energizing atmosphere a 

     person has experienced all week! Put a smile on their face and you'll deliver energy to 

     their heart.

6. Authenticity  
     When the pastor owns the confidence and ability to laugh at self and life, that joy-
     filled approach has a curious way of communicating "authenticity" (genuine, real, true 
     legitimate, valid) with the audience. Earning the listener's trust is critical to making 
     maximum, lasting impact in their lives. 

7. Sincerity 
     Authenticity is about the messenger; sincerity is about the message. Authenticity 
     relates to the messenger's believability, but sincerity (free from pretense, deceit or 
     hypocrisy) describes the message's purity. When a trustworthy speaker delivers a pure 
     and uncompromised message, life-change is irrefutable.

I'm sure there are many other benefits to a joy-filled, laughter-frirendly worship experience, but these are the stand-out benefits we have experience at Free Life Chapel that keeps 'faith & fun' a dynamic-duo for ministry. (Here's a link to "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" - a fun music video we filmed at Free Life Chapel to end a teaching series, "Dropping the F*Bomb"! The feedback from the un-churched viewers was overwhelming - "Cool to see a church that actually knows how to have fun!")

Many years ago, Mary Poppins (the storybook character) taught us a wonderful ministry truth when she said, "a spoonful of sugar, helps the medicine go down". The sugar (humor, laughter) was never meant to replace the medicine (Gospel), but it is given to accompany it, so the sick (humanity) will receive the medicine... and be made whole!